There was never a question as to whether or not BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (click the link to read our review) was going to do well at the weekend box office. The question was just how well was it going to do after getting destroyed by critics and disappointing audiences that saw it early. The answer seems to be, it was just fine, to the tune of about $170 million. That’s an incredible number and it’s good enough to be Warner Bros. best opening ever, which is saying something for a studio that has such a prestigious film history. But for those looking for Marvel versus DC fodder, the film couldn’t beat AVENGERS, IRON MAN 3 or AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, all of which grossed more than $174 million. But when you’re talking $100+ million openings, there really isn’t a downside. The only question now is whether or not Warner can continue the success in spite of the hatred being spewed towards their marquee franchise and whether or not they’re going to let Zack Snyder direct another film. You may not have noticed, but there was another film opening this weekend called MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2. Yes, the indie darling from a decade ago got a sequel and it actually did surprisingly well, flirting with a $20 million opening.

Next week is Hollywood’s way of conceding to Warner Bros. as nothing wants to challenge BvS. We get the spiritual sequel to DAZED AND CONFUSED called EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, which will have an audience, but not the kind that show up to theaters. We also get GOD’S NOT DEAD 2, which will also draw a crowd, but nothing compared to BvS or even ZOOTOPIA. In fact, it will be a while before something dethrones BvS, which will probably be THE JUNGLE BOOK in a few weeks. Note: the numbers below will be updated as they become final.